Utah State University vs. JMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Utah State University in Logan, UT with James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Utah State University is larger than JMU based on total student enrollment (28,904 students vs. 22,740 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Utah State University is located in Logan, UT (Small City setting); James Madison University is in Harrisonburg, VA (Small City setting).
• Utah State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. James Madison University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Utah State University 19:1; James Madison University 17:1.

Utah State University vs. JMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Utah State University or JMU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Utah State University than JMU ($15,788 vs. $18,856).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Utah State University are 30.5% lower than at James Madison University ($9,076 vs. $13,056).
• James Madison University is 54.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Utah State University (about $5,022 more per year; $14,250.00 vs. $9,228.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 27.4% higher at JMU than at Utah State University (about $6,802 more per year; $31,604.00 vs. $24,802.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Utah State University than at James Madison University (90% vs. 33%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by James Madison University students is 39.5% larger than aid received by Utah State University students ($12,114 vs. $8,685).

Utah State University vs. JMU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Utah State University or JMU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between JMU and Utah State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at James Madison University (1260) is 80 points higher than at Utah State University (1180).
• Incoming JMU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 24 at Utah State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Utah State University 1070/1290; James Madison University 1170/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Utah State University 20/28; James Madison University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Utah State University - Test optional; JMU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: JMU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Utah State University students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.63) than students at JMU (3.57).
• Utah State University has a higher acceptance rate (92.5%) than JMU (71.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.8% at Utah State University vs. 18.2% at JMU.

Utah State University vs. JMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Utah State University and JMU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• James Madison University's six-year graduation rate (81%) is higher than Utah State University's (52%).
• Graduates from James Madison University earn a median of about $11,700 more per year than Utah State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,300 vs. $48,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Utah State University graduates have a $7,289 lower median loan debt than JMU graduates ($13,610 vs. $20,899).
• Among borrowers, Utah State University graduates have an estimated $76 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than JMU graduates ($140 vs. $216).
• More JMU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Utah State University students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 71%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.